Circulation Policies

The Public Services Department provides access for students and faculty to the collection at Brackett Library.

At the Circulation Desk, you may check out, return or renew materials, request that a hold be placed on a book that is checked out, pick up/return Interlibrary Loan items, acquire reserve materials, or simply get change for the copiers.

Library Cards

All faculty, students, and staff must have a current Harding University ID card to check out any library materials. Local residents over the age of 18 years of age may apply for a VIP card at the Circulation Desk.

Standard Loan Periods

Item

Limit

Loan Period

Renewals

Stack books*

None

2 weeks

1

Audiobooks

None

2 weeks

1

Best Sellers/ Christian Fiction

3

2 weeks

1

Juvenile books

5

7 days

1

DVD, Video

3

3 days

1

Circulating Reference

None

3 days

1

*Staff, Graduate and Honors Program students have a 3 week loan period.

Circulation privileges for reserve items are determined by professors and may vary from one hour to one week. Reserve items may not be renewed.

Faculty Loan Periods

Item

Limit

Loan Period

Renewals

Stack books

None

1 semester

1

Audiobooks

None

2 weeks

1

Best Sellers/Christian Fiction

3

3 weeks

1

Juvenile books

5

7 days

1

DVD, Video

3

3 days

1

Fines

There are no daily late fees on books owned by the Brackett Library or interlibrary loan items, but if items are not returned within 4 weeks after the due date, a $60.00 MINIMUM charge will be placed on the patron's business office account ($50.00 replacement fee or the cost of replacement whichever is greater; $10.00 NON-REFUNDABLE late fee). If the book is returned, the $50.00 replacement fee will be refunded.

Fines for overdue DVDs will be charged 2 weeks after the due date. Overdue DVDs incur a $30.00 MINIMUM charge on the patron’s business office account ($20.00 replacement fee or the cost of replacement whichever is greater; $10.00 NON-REFUNDABLE late fee). If the DVD is returned, the $20.00 replacement fee will be refunded.

Overnight reserves accumulate fines at a rate of 50 cents per day. Fines on in-house reserve items are 50 cents an hour.

Can't find a book on the shelves?

If you do not find a book that is supposed to be in the stacks, ask the Information Desk for assistance. If the book cannot be located, a search form will be filled out and you will be notified when the book is located.

Holds and Recalls

If a book you need is checked out, you may request at the Circulation Desk that it be held for you when it returns. You will be notified when the book is available and it will be held for you at the Circulation Desk for ten days.

Extended Check-out Privileges

Students enrolled in a capstone or senior seminar course qualify for extended check-out privileges which include 4-week check-out plus one renewal of most books located on the second floor of the library, with the exception of Juvenile, Best Sellers and Christian Fiction. Please note that items requested through InterLibrary Loan (ILL) are not included in this agreement.

Students who wish to be awarded the extended check-out privileges must complete the Extended Check-out Privileges form, obtain their capstone/senior seminar professor’s signature, and return the completed form to Brackett Library.

Completed forms can be sent via campus mail (HU Box 12267) or returned in person at the Brackett Library Circulation Desk.

Security

The library uses an electronic detection system to monitor the unauthorized removal of materials. The system is completely safe. It will not erase tapes, disks, or cassettes. The 3M system detects through bags, briefcases, and clothing. If the alarm sounds, library personnel will stop the person exiting the gate and ask to see materials in bags, purses, backpacks, etc. The library staff is at liberty to identify the probable cause of the alarm sounding.